Quaint Gardens
Located in rural Yellow Point in a dreamy pastoral setting is Crow and Gate Pub, a family-owned establishment with Tudor-style architecture that harkens back to old British tradition. Relax in the well-shaded, beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoy a homecooked steak & mushroom pie with stilton, a bowl of smoked salmon chowder, or some of their delectable pan-fried oysters. In the cool months, two woodburning fireplaces are always going, perfect for cozying up to with friends, family, and a pint of ale.
Camas is a newly established restaurant in Lantzville that features locally farmed & foraged ingredients prepared by people who care. Sarah and Taka, former head chefs and managers of Riso restaurant in Lantzville, have begun a new culinary chapter in creating their own restaurant. With a 5-star team, Camas delivers outstanding service to guests, a menu that changes with new inspirations and foods of the season, and melt-in-your-mouth desserts and specialty baking, a Sarah signature. The patio is open in the warm months, offering a lovely, scenic dining experience in the heart of the village.
Over train tracks and down a rural road in Nanoose Bay is The Rocking Horse Pub, a 1972 residence converted into a family-owned restaurant. With artful landscaping and views of the surrounding farms, the patio is spacious and has plenty of tables for guests to enjoy. The Rocking Horse has a well-rounded menu with a nice selection of traditional English dishes. Two wood-burning fireplaces are lit through the winter, offering guests a warm and cozy hideaway from the rain.
Downtown Gems
White Rabbit Coffee Co. / Coach & Horses Pub
In an old train station right on the tracks are two local businesses worth frequenting. White Rabbit Coffee Company has some of the best quality coffee in town, an array of seasonal flowers and herbs they infuse into recipes, and a superb gluten-free baking menu. Coach & Horses Pub has an extensive British draught beer collection and a British-focused menu, as well as a great selection of vegan options. The coffee shop and pub share a large, sunny patio on what was a train platform once upon a time.
The Mélange patio sits on the historic intersection of Chapel, Church, and Commercial Street, surrounded by turn-of-the-century character buildings that give Nanaimo’s downtown its charm. Chef Kellie has traveled the world in his profession and creates an ever-evolving menu full of exotic flavours from diverse cultures. The owner, Gaetan, is one of Nanaimo’s most celebrated Sommeliers and foodies; he brings in an eclectic range of world wines and local favourites to pair beautifully with the exciting dishes on the menu.
Milton Street Public House
The Milton Street Public House sits on Milton Street in downtown Nanaimo where an old heritage home was converted into a cozy pub. Staff serve up a creative and delicious menu with plenty of comfort food. Enjoy the private outdoor garden patio and choose from a menu offering a range of pasta, flatbreads, entrees, and some of the best parmesan fries ever.
On the Docks
On Nanaimo’s waterfront is a classic seaside restaurant, The Lighthouse Pub & Bistro. A favourite of locals and tourists alike, the restaurant is located in a historical lighthouse hovering over the water with 360 degrees of views, plenty of food and drink options, great seafood dishes, and even live music on occasion.
For a uniquely West Coast dining experience, take a short ferry ride from the Nanaimo docks to Protection Island. There you will find the Dinghy Dock floating pub moored off Protection Island, offering a full menu, live music, and some of the most stunning views of the harbor and surrounding islands. The journey will be one to remember! Ahoy!
A hidden gem in Nanaimo, Sealand Pho has some of the best authentic Vietnamese and marina views in the city. Everything is made with fresh, quality ingredients and prepared with care, all for an affordable price. The outdoor top patio takes in stunning views of Newcastle Island, while inside the restaurant are floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views for diners to enjoy. Reservations only for top patio.
For an authentically Mexican and uniquely Nanaimo experience all in one, head to the harbour for Penny’s Palapas. Enjoy scrumptious tacos, freshly squeezed lime & hibiscus margaritas, cervezas, and a bright and colourful atmosphere that will transport you to the warm tropics.